Spring Hikes to Stunning Waterfalls
Spring rains bring swollen rivers and melting snow. And that means it is waterfall season in Vancouver. Waterfall adventure options range from easy and accessible walks to a half-day hikes through the coastal rainforest.
Waterfall Hiking Tips
Visiting waterfalls is a fun and rejuvenating activity, but you need to be prepared.
- AdventureSmart recommends bringing a backpack with essential safety and first aid gear on every hike.
- Check the forecast and pack extra clothing for the conditions.
- Leave a trip plan so someone knows where you are going and when you will be back.
- Use caution around waterfalls. Stay behind fences and back from cliff edges, which can crumble. Do not get too close to the bottom of waterfalls - logs, rocks, and other debris can come crashing down.
- Read our tips for safe spring hiking in Vancouver for more advice.
Cypress Falls
The trail at Cypress Falls in West Vancouver winds through a beautiful forest of old-growth Western Red Cedar and Douglas fir trees on its way to two waterfalls. The trip to the viewing platform at the lower falls is relatively short, but you can continue hiking upstream to the upper falls to complete the 3-kilometre hike.
While you are in the area, stop by the nearby Cypress Pop-Up Village for incredible views of the city and a walk along the trestle bridge on the Mountain Path.
Cleveland Dam
While the waterfall at Cleveland Dam in Capilano River Regional Park in North Vancouver is human-made, it's still spectacular. Built in 1954, the 300-foot tall dam holds back Capilano Lake, one of Vancouver's primary drinking water sources. You can see the top of the dam on a short and flat walk from the north entrance to the park. Be sure to admire the view of the snow-capped Lions Mountains as well.
If you're up for a 20-minute hike, visit the bottom of the falls via the Second Canyon Trail, accessed from the hatchery parking area. The flat trail leads to a cliffside viewpoint with a view of the thundering waters of the spillway. If you want to extend your hike, follow the 1.1 km Coho Loop Trail downstream for beautiful views of the canyon. Use the park map to stay on track.
Twin Falls
If you are visiting the suspension bridge in Lynn Canyon Park in North Vancouver, don't miss nearby Twin Falls. You can use the suspension bridge and Twin Falls Bridge to make an easy 1-kilometre loop hike that takes 30 to 45 minutes.
To get to the falls, cross the suspension bridge, then turn right and follow the trail along the boardwalk and down a few stairs to the Twin Falls Bridge. There are great views of the falls from the bridge deck. On the other side, turn right again and head uphill back to the parking lot. The park map shows the way.
Shannon Falls
At 335 metres, Shannon Falls in Squamish is one of BC's tallest waterfalls as it cascades over polished granite slabs. It's also one of the easiest waterfalls to visit - the hike to the viewing platform at the base is only 350m long and is wheelchair accessible. If you're up for it, you can also climb the stairs to the upper viewing platform for a slightly different view of the tumbling waters.
While you're in Squamish, don't miss the views from the nearby Sea to Sky Gondola. Or wander down Cleveland Avenue in downtown Squamish to browse the boutiques or grab a meal at one of the cafes.
Brandywine Falls
While 70 metre Brandywine Falls isn't as tall as Shannon Falls, it has an impressive setting in a canyon carved out of volcanic rocks with a unique column structure. It's an easy 10-minute hike to the falls. There are two viewing areas and it's worth continuing further along the trail for good views of Daisy Lake.
If you want to extend your hike for a few more kilometres, you can follow the Sea to Sky Trail to the Bungee Bridge, which has great views of the steep-sided Cheakamus Canyon. Since snow lingers late in the area, the park is only open from May 1 to October 31 each year.
Gold Creek Falls
Also known as Lower Falls, Gold Creek Falls is one of the most popular hikes in Golden Ears Provincial Park. The easy 2-hour hike is nearly flat as it follows the banks of Gold Creek through a mossy rainforest. In places, you can look up to the towering peaks of Alouette, Edge, and Blanchard Mountains high above you. The trail ends at the falls, which has two viewing areas.
After your hike, head to the day-use area on Alouette Lake for a picnic with an incredible view. You can rent canoes and kayaks if you want to go for a paddle on the lake. Keep in mind that day-use passes may be required to access the park between May and September. See the park website for details.